
Qass Pfj ^l( : ; 

Book .?5^Mr ± 



if 

^ l&etixt (xromerrp, 

IN TWO ACT|I. J. 

AS PERFORMED AT 

THE THEATRE ROYAL, COVENT GARDEN, 

On /February 2, 1831. 



By T. POWER, Esq. 

AUTHOR OF " THE LOST HEIR," &C. 



BALTIMORE : 

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY J. ROBINSON, 

Circulating Library and Dramatic Repoiitoiy, 

1831. 



■^ 



:^' 



DRAMATIS PERSONiE.^ 



Due d* Orleans^ 
Marquis de Meneville, 
Sir John jiscot^ 
Colonel O'Dillon, 
Pierre^ 
FranctSj 



Mr. Abbot. 
Mr. Bartley. 
Mr. Ward. 
M. Power. 
Mr. Irwin. 
Mr. Mars. 



Servants^ Courtiers^ Istc, 



Duchess d* Orleans ^ 
Madame de Meneville^ 
Lady jiscot. 
Annette t 



Miss Ford. 
Miss Taylor. 
Mrs. Chatterly. 
Miss Philips. 



Ladies of Ballet t ^c. 



Time of Action — One Day and jVig/jt. 
Place of Action — Paris, 
Costyme — Louis Quinze. 



MARRIED LOVERS. 



ACT I. 

SCENE I. — Madame de Menkville's Bourdoir. 

Madame discjva-ed arranging her hair in her toi- 
lette-glass. — Lady Ascot sitting ofifiosite. 

Mad. Well, ma belle Anglaise^ and what now is 
this mighty secret ? 

Lady. Dear Madame de Meneville, how shall I 
find words to break the force of the blow my princi- 
ples compel me to inHict upon my friend ! 

Alad. A very terrible denouncement ; but you per- 
ceive I am steeled for the discovery ; so now do 
come at once to the coufi de theatre. 

Lady. After the hospitality I have received be- 
neath your roof, judge how painful must be the ef- 
fort, when I tell you, that this day I leave it. 

** Mad. Leave this house; heavens, child, how 
have I 

**Lady. Yon have been all goodness, alas! 'tis I — 
I." That 1 have unconsciously been the cause of 
offence to you, of a nature nothing but my absence 
can atone. 

Mad. My sweet cousin, what crime can you have 
been guilty off* Perhaps through envy, bribed Mari- 
etta to spoil my new robe-de-bal for to night ; or in 
a fit of spleen, given my parrot liberty, strangled 
my monkey, or poisoned my lap-dog; — what other 
horror ? 

Lady. My dear Madame, if I must be explicit, it 
is your husband, the Marquis that 

Mad. Oh, 'tis him you have poisoned ! Is that all ? 



4 MARRIED LOVERS. IFower. 

Lady. But, pardon me ; you will not listen to 
what, notliing but the horror of a fatal quarrel has 
prevented nny disclosing both to my husband and 
to you, some time back. In short the Marquis 

Mad. Has had the good taste to become despe- 
rately enamoared with his pretty guest ; and, what's 
more, has had the courage to declare his p.assion — 
bless you, my love, that is no secret to me ! 

Lady. Madame, you surprise me, how could you 
have a suspicion of 

Mad. Oh, suspicion has long been out of the 
question ; every one in the house knows it, except 
you and your good Lord and Master. 

Lady. Every one knows it ! I shall die with 
shame. 

Mad. You need not — nobody minds it. 

Lady. Oh ! Madame de Meneville, keep it close 
hidden from Sir John, for he is so jealously fond of 
me, and so passio«ate, that were he but to suspect 
the Marquis's libertine designs, the consequences 
would be— - 

Mad. Too trifling to be entertaining, or one might 
be tempted to divulge. 

Lady. You will pardon me, Madame, when I say 
your indifference surprises me ; is it possible you 
have so long suspected all this, and yet refrained to 
assert your honour's claims. 

Mad. Wherefore be so selfish, as to rob my dear 
Marquis of a little harmless amusement ; I had too 
much reliance on your honour and good taste to sus- 
pect you of any thing serious with a man of a cer- 
tain age ; and even had I found you proceed to ex- 
tremities, I had my revenge offered by a friend of 
yours. 

Lady. Revenge ! — by who ? 

Mad. By your very loving jealous husband. Sir 
John, who 

^^ Lady. Either I misunderstand, or you jest !" 

•' Mad. I assure thee, my little simplicity, there 



Act I] MARRIED LOVERS. 5 

" is no jesting intended on your poor husband's part, 
•* for he'* has made me the warmest protestations 
for these three weeks past ! 

Lady. The wretch ! — is it possible ! after all his 
pretended love and jealousy? — Oh, how I shall hate 
aim ! an ugly^ ill-tempered, horrid old monster! 

Mad. Come, come, my dear, you must allow he 
aas a fair excuse for his falsehood ; and forgive him, 
in compliment to his good taste — ha, ha, ha! 

Lady. Til seek out — I'll upbraid him with his 
rklsehood. I'll write to England, and expose him to 
our friends — III be separated — I'll quit his protec- 
tion — I'll leave this house — I'll break |^my heart 
C throws herself into a chair and ivee/is) — Oh, I shall 
die with grief and vexation ! 

Mad. At what ought to afford you amusement, 
and provoke you to laughter. Oh ! silly, silly, lady. 

Lady. Ah! dear Madame, you do not know half 
the sacrifices I've made for this old rogue, or half 
the pains he took to persuade me that he doated on 
me ; and am I so duped at last ! Why, his hypocri- 
sy had half persuaded me to be fond of the wretch* 
Hav'n*t I told him of every approach to gallantry 
that has been made me, and by whom ? — ^hav*n't I 
been denied to the Due d'Orleans in his absence, 
because he chose to be jealous of his Grace's fre- 
quent calls herc.^ but I'll be revenged — I'll go to 
England. 

Mad. You need not go so far, you can be very 
readily revenged where you are. 

Lady. How mean you? 

Mad. Why see the gay Duke when next he calls ; 
and, perhaps, between us, some mode may be sug- 
gested 

Lady. Pardon me, Madame, I know too well what 
is due to my own honour, to fly to such an evil reta- 
liation. 

Mad. And what evil retaliation have I proposed, 
ma belle, — o' fi done ! to suspect me ; but you Eng- 



6 MARRIED LOVERS. IPoiuer. 

lish are ever en-garde ; your virtue is always sur- 
rounded by a cheval-de friae, and there's no ap- 
proaching you without first giving the countersign. 

Lady- Excuse me if I have misunderstood you, 
but 1 fancied you proposed to 

Mad. To anticipate mon mari in his disloyalty ! 
No, no, I have no present liason that tempts to such 
a dangerous extremity ; besides, I owe the Marquis 
too much gratitude for that; did he not bestow up- 
on me a splendid fortune, perfect freedom, his own 
good-humours, aye, and an agreeable person too, al- 
though, perhaps, a little passe? and shall I throw 
away all these, and an excellent heart into the bar- 
gain, merely because the good man has found room 
enough there to squeeze your pretty image into? 
Oh, no! we'll have better revenge — but, hush ! they 
come — dry your pretty eyes, compose your ruffled 
looks, meet the rogue's smiles with smiles as false, 
see the Duke the next time alone, leave the rest to 
me ; and I promise you revenge, as innocent as an 
English wife, and as ample as a Frenchwoman can 
desire. They come, the gay deluders, only look on 
them, ha! ha! ha! 

Enter Sir John, following the Marquis. 

(Both middle-aged men^ their apfiearance con- 
trasted. ) 

Mar. Madame la Marquise, ban jour, beautiful as 
an angel this morning. (Kisses his ivife's hand gal- 
lantly, ajid fiasses to Lady Jscot-) Oh! my Lady 
Ascot has had gentle dreams last night — she smiles 
so benignly upon her poor Cavalier, {aside). 

Sir John, {eyeing his noife aska?ice.) What looks of 
coldness — she is unworthy my tenderness. But, had 
my happy lot fallen here, divine Madame de Mene- 
ville, {aside J — I am too happy to see you well and 
in spirits this morning, {ogling her side.) Ah ! — 

Mad. Ah, yes! in our gaity lies the only chance 



\ct I.] MARRIED LOVERS. 7 

we poor brunettes have for conquest, when opposed 
to the blonde beauty of your fair countrywomen, 
Sir John. 

Sir John. 'Tis true, My dear Madan^, that gaity 
and wit form a portion of your armoury ; but— — 

Marq. But even they are little more than a for- 
lorn hope against such charms — with manner less 
gay certainly {aside to Lady Aacot.) but far more in- 
teresting. 

Mad. Ah, you men, you men ! ever flattering to 
deceive. But, my Lady, you wished to show me 
your dress for to-night ; so we'll leave these gal- 
lant lords of ours to the delight of expatiating on 
their wives' innumerable amiabilities, wit, and 
beauty in our absence. Adieu ! 

Sir John. Allow me. Madam, to attend you. 

\^Takes her hand^ and leads her to the door, 
ogling'^ 

Marq. Permit me, my Lady, to 

\_Takes Lady Ascot's handy and follows^ 
looking languishing ly. At the door, kisses 
her hand ; not seeing that Sir John is do- 
ins^ exactly the same to Madame de Mene- 
ville. 

Sir John, {as the ladies exit.) Fascinating Madame 
de Menville ! [Aside. 

Marq. Divine Lady Ascot I [Aside. 

Sir John. My dear Marquis, you are a happy man 
to possess a wife, who combines in her person all 
that is lovely — in her wit all that is brilliant' 

Marq. You are right. Sir John. I consider my- 
self a happy man in having secured such a treasure ; 
but you have equal claims on the congratulations of 
your friends, for my Lady Ascot is exquisitely inte- 
resting. In short, I think, we are two very lucky 
middle-aged gentlemen. 

Sir John. Hem ! my dear Marquis — my wife's in- 
teresting manner is what I complain of, it wants 
life, it wants lh3ii J ouissance, which wit and good hu- 



8 MARRIED LOVERS. iPower. 

mour impart— besides, *tis not natural to her — 
When single she was gay, and light as summer 
breeze — but since the knot was tied — Ugh! 

Marq. I don't wonder, with such a melancholy- 
mate, poor thing, I pity her. \^Aaide. 

Sir John. What do you say. Marquis ? 

Marq- I say I pity you, Sir John. 

Sir John. This cursed embassy, why was I tempt- 
ed to join it, and bring a young wife to this Paris, 
this, the very hot-bed of intrigue, the grave of hus- 
bands* honour. 

Marq. Well, my good friend, if your honour be 
buried here, you will at least have the satisfaction of 
knowing it lies interred in the very best company ; 
but come, come, your wife has lost her spirits, and 
you grieve to see her dull. 

Sir John, I do, right ! for, my dear friend, let me 
whisper in your ear, that I suspect her dullness to 
be assumed — 'tis all allurement, or what's still 
worse, a growing sign of passion for another. 

Marq, Ah! I rejoice — that is, I regret to hear this 
"'{aside) should he be right! Have you any sus- 
picion of the lucky — that is the libertine, who ? 

Sir John- More than suspicion — conJir7nation ! 

Marq. {aside) The devil. 

Sir John. Ah ! my dear friend, you have cause if 
you knew all. 

Marq. You are agitated, confide m my friendship, 
what is it ruffles you thus ? 

Sir John, I shall astound you by naming him. 

Marq. The gipsy must have told him. [ 4side. 

Sir John, You are already surprised ; what will 
you say, when I assure you, I have the man this mo- 
ment in my eye } 

Marq. Surely, Sir John, you don't insinuate } 

Sir John. I don't — \ don't insinuate — I affirm, that 
the Duke d*0rlean8 is the lover — the avow'd lover 
of my wife, 

Marq, Oh ! I breathe again. (aside.J'^Yovi do, in 



Act. I] MARRIED LOVERS. g 

deed, surprise me ; what has led you to this conclu- 



sion * 

Sir John. Why, partly my wife's own hints, con- 
firmed by this letter, which I managed to intercept. 
Read, my dear friend, read. [Gives letter. 

Marq. {reads,) — " Lovely Lady Ascot, to what am 
I to attribute your reserve? — to a dislike of my 
manners and person, or to the constant presence of • 
the De Menevilles ? It cannot arise from devotion 
to your husband, for what natural sympathy can 
there be between Venus and Vulcan ?" Venus and 
Vulcan ! — why, who does he mean by — 

Sir John. O, can't you guess? — hem? — don't 
laugh yeti but read on. 

Marq. (reads.) "Yours must have been a mar- 
riage of convenience, and as such should be fairly 
treated" 

Sir John. Charming doctrine for a young wife ! go 
on. 

Marq. {reads.) " I leave it to your own ingenuity, 
if you wish to oblige me, to find some excuse for 
quitting the house of the coxcombical old beau, De 
Meneville." 

Sir John. Hem ! you know whom he means by 
that ? 

Marq. Ha, ha ! bravo, my Lord Duke ! {reads.'^ 
" and repairing to some hotel of your own, where, 
without restraint, I m^y declare, at the feet of the 
loveliest of her sex, how much she is the adored of 

Orleans." 

Sir John. Now my good Marquis, you will allow I 
have some cause for suspicion ! 

Marq, Of the Duke, assuredly ! but I see nothing 
against your lady. 

Sir John. Do you not see her assumed demureness 
of aspect, her interesting langour of deportment; 
above all, she has this very morning been importun- 
ing me to leave this house. 

Marq- Indeed ! but did she give you no reason ? 
3 



10 MARRIED LOVERS. [Powev 

Sir John. No ; what reason could she give, only 
hints that her apartments were less her own than 
she chose they should be. So that I saw in a mo- 
ment, though I had intercepted this letter, her lover 
hdd found some other means to let her know his 
wishes. 

Marq. Did you give her any hint of your suspi- 
cions? 

Sir John. Nothing more than a general caution. I 
thought it best, first of all, to tonfide my troubles to 
your friendship, and take your advice upon the sub- 
ject. 

JMarq. I assure you, the recital has interested me 
nearly ! 

Sir John. Ah, my dear Marquis, I was assured 
you would feel anxious to preserve your old friend's 
honour from the Duke. 

Marq. From the Duke ! most certainly. My ad- 
vice is simple: — by no means leave my hotel : your 
apartments are as much your own here as they 
could be any where, and you may forbid the Duke's 
coming into them, though I cannot deny him my 
house, situated as I am at Court, and on the terms 
he is with my wife. 

Sir John. My dear Marquis, pardon me ; but how 
can you talk, without jealousy, of such a libertine as 
the Duke being on intimate terms with your wife .> 

Marq. Jealousy, my good friend i* — what is he 
like ? I never knew the gentleman ; and depend on 
it, if ever he takes up his residence in Paris, he'll 
be cut by every well-bred man, as belonging to the 
canaille, andinadmissable into good society. 

•* Sir John. A happy man to have such perfect 
" confidence in the honour of your wife. 

** Marq. You are right," I have the most perfect 
confidence in Madame de Meneville*s honour. I do 
not think her capable of wronging me. At all 
events I know she possesses too much wit and dis- 
cretion to let it be suspected for a moment. 



Act I.] MARRIED LOVERS. 11 

Sir John, Insensible fop! he is unworthy such a 
treasure, {aside. ) 

Mary. Horrid savage! 'twould be a sin to spare 
hinn, (aside. J 

Sir John. But come, accompany me to the Ambas- 
sador. Meantime I will give orders, which in the 
event of the Dulse's calling, will exclude him from 
my apartment. — I'll match them yet, with all their 
plotting against my honour. 

Marq. Ah, dear friend, I fear your caution will 
avail you little. I am a determined predestinariaii 
in these cases, and conclude, that when once a wife 
has decided upon her husband's fute, 'tis not in hu- 
man ingenuity to reverse the decree. 

** Sir John. But at least one ought to defer the 
" mischief as long as possible ; and come what may, I 
*' shall have the satisfaction of kntowing that I did 
"not act unadvisedly, but confided my sorrows in the 
*' bosom of friendship. 

" Marq. On the wisdom of that step there can be 
but one opinion.'* 

lExeunt Marquis and Sir John. 



SCENE 11.—^ Hall— On one side a practicable 
window. 

Enter Duchess in domino^ and mask in her hand. Lady 
Ascot, and Madame de Mkneville. 

Mad. Ha, ha, dear Madame, are not these scru- 
ph^s of my pretty cousin amusing ? — surely with the 
permission of her Grace, there can be no great harm 
in your holding an innocent tete-a-tete with the Duke 
— you're not afraid, eh, coz * 

Lady. Of appearances only, which are as fatal to 
the honour of a married woman, as actual shame, 
and, therefore, almost as criminal. 

Duck. Why in England, that argument might 
hold good, but you are here, in a land where happi- 



12 MARRIED LOVERS. [Fower. 

ly a greater latitude is allowed the sex ; where every 
pretty butterfly is suffered to flutter as near the lamp 
as possible, unblamed, as long as its wings are ac- 
tually kept unsinged. 

Lady. I fear, to those who risk an approach, that 
must prove a difficult task. 

Mad. Aye, to you sober English, who must always 
be so much in earnest with every thing; you've no 
idea of Vamour pour badiner — no notion of joking 
with a man; but come, come, now you must allow 
the Duke to see you tete-d-tete^ and, should he press 
for a private interview, just contrive to give him en- 
couragement enough to lead him into the trap I have 
prepared for all these amorous sparks of ours. 

Lady. If you will insist; but 1 fear I shall act my 
part very badly. 

Duch. I'll warrant you ! only let the man be once 
fairly on his knees, before the very simplest of us, 
and I'll trust the rest to old madame Nature. Adieu! 
I will don my mask, and retire as I came, by the 
garden, where my chair waits. Adieu ! as the plot 
thickens, let me hear from you, and rely on my aid, 
to prove that simple woman's wit would make fools 
of the wisest of them all. 

Song. — Duchess. 

To woman's wit, to woman's wit, 

What is there to compare ? 
Task land or sea, to yield to thee 
This secret of the fair; 
'Tis all in vain, you ne'er can hit 
The magic charm of woman's wit. 

To man denied, with all his pride. 

Is woman's wit for ever, 
Task earth or air, that essence rare, 
Thy power can purchase, never. 
Ah ! no, no, no, man ne'er can hit 
The magic charm of woman's wit. 

[^Rxit Duchess, 



Act I.] MARRIED LOVERS. 13 

End of Songy enter Pierre, 

Pierre. His Highness the Due D'OrUans and 
Colonel O'Dillon. 

Mad. Shew the Due into my boudoir; say no- 
thing of the Duchess having been here. {Exit 
Pierre.) Now, ma chere^ courage, and all goes 
bravely. [Exeunt, 

l^t Ladies^ exit, Pierre re-enters, shelving in the 
Duke of Orleans and Colonel O'Dillon. 

Duke. Shew me to Lady Ascot's apartments. 

Sei'vant. I have Sir John's orders to deny all ad- 
mittance during his absence, your Grace. 

O'Dill. Mighty civil that, of Sir John. 

Duke. Surely, friend, you must have mistaken. 
Say to Lady Ascot that the Due d'Orleans wishes to 
pf^y his devoirs to her, and Madame de Meneville. 

Pierre. Lady Ascot is in Madame's boudoir; if 
your Grace will allow me, I'll shew you there. 

Orl. Ah! this is more fortunate than my best 
genius dared to promise me. Kind creature, to 
make amends for her husband's cruelty, in shutting 
me out of her oivn chamber, she graciously meets 
me in her friend^s where there can be little fear 
from interruption. [Going. 

O'Dill. Bnt what's to become of me, meantime? 
I wish your Grace would find somebody on the 
establishment for me to fall in love with, or I'll be 
in the way ; and a party of three is an odd number, 
and against all rule in love affairs. 

Orll My dear Colonel, I've a little duty for you 
here, that will employ your leisure, and serve your 
friend. 

O^Dill. Your Grace honours me — you know I'm 
yours, heart and soul. 

Orl. I told you there was an inquisitive husband in 
the way here ; now though the lady gives me the 
meeting in her friend's apartments, should he come 

2* 



14 MARRIED LOVERS. iPoiver. 

in I would not swear but he'd be impertinent enough 
to break in upon our sanctuary in search of his cara 
s/iosa, an intrusion your kindness may prevent by 
waiting here ; and should he appear, diverting his 
approaeh until I receive timely notice. 

O'^Dill. There is only one trifling objection to my 
mounting this guard to stop the husband. 

Orl. And that is 

O'Dill. That I don't know him from his wife. 

Orl. I'll simplify your duty, by recpicsting you 
will not suffer any stranger to a])proach, until by 
talking loud, or by some stir and bustle here, you 
attract my hearing. You understand ? — 

O'Dill. Ha, ha ! ABC, a vidette's duty. Fire a 
shot on the enemy's approach, and retreat full drive 
on the picqueit. I'll be alert, never fear, your Grace. 

Orl. I trust to your vigilance, and now for my lit- 
tle English divinity. \_ExU Duke. 

O^Di'J. Um ! mighty pleasant, on my conscience 
— I'd like a divinity of my own, English, Irish, or 
French, or even Dutch — the devil a pin to choose — 
what will I do to entertain myself? — fall asleep? No, 
I won't see who passes if I do that. I'm clapt here 
as a corps of observation, and, by St. Patrick, I've 
no liking to the post, for in a love affair an Irishman's 
never happy unless he's in the thick of the action. 
Who the devil is this Sir John Ascot ? I never knew 
one of the family. I hear he's attach'd to the Am- 
bassador — the Duke's attach'd to his lady, and I am 
attach'd to the Duke ; and there's all I know or care. 
(goes to window J Eh ! there's the maid, I fancy, be- 
low. Now if I could see any one I knew, I'd get re- 
lieved from this post, and make a little love on my 
own account — What a figure ! and such eyes! Oh, 
you creature ! Egad here's de Meneville, he's a good 
natured fellow, and too old a soldier to spoil sport. 
I'll get him to do sentinel for me, while I whisper 
three words of Irish to that little grasshopper ; be- 
sides he knows this husband, and is fitter for the du- 
ty than I am. 



\ct I.] MARRIED LOVERS. 15 

Enter de Meneville. 

Marq- I've lodged my jealous friend at the Am- 
bassador's, and now for his shy lady. Ah ! Col. Dil- 
lon, your very servant. 

O'Dill. Marquis, your slave. Will I get you to 
do me a favour of five minutes i* 

Marq. Command me, Colonel, for as many hours. 

O'DiU. Well then, wait here, and if Sir John As- 
cot comes in, and wants to go that way, do you con- 
trive to amuse him till 1 come back — that's all. 

[^Going. 

Marq. Amuse him ? — for what purpose? 

0*Dill. Why, listen ; the duke is now tete-a-tite 
in your lady's boudoir with his pretty wife. 

Marq. Aye I ex'^^se me. Colonel O'Dillon, I have 
business of the last importance, requiring my instant 
presence; any other time 1 shall 

O'Dill. Zounds, man, but now's the time ! you'll 
not stay? — well, mum^ don't interrupt his Grace, 
that's all. 

Marq. Not for worlds — but my wife shall. This 
is fortunate, (aside) Colonel, your servant. 

{Exit Marquis after Duke. 

0*Dill. Here's a curmudgeon, proposes to be mine 
for five hours, and then hops off with a shrug and a 
grin, like a superannuated dancing- master, what will 
I do ?— She'll be gone — no, there she is. Oh! you 
darling. 

Kisses his hand from the window. Sir John Ascot 
enters ^ not seeing him. 

Sir John. My wife, I fancy, is in her own apart- 
ment — the Marquis is absent — if I could but encoun- 
ter Madame de Meneville alone. 

[Going off after Marquis, O'Dillon stofis him. 

O'Dill. Eh ! what ? no— can it be sure ?— Selby, 
my Cockney Counsellor, how are you ? 

Sir John, foszt/ej Selby! oh, he is ignorant of my 
change of name and condition. 



16 MARRIED LOVERS. [Power, 

0*Dill My daar fellow, though I've not seen you 
these seven years, I've a recollection of your good 
nature; will you do me a favour, Selby ? 

Sir John. If without much inconvenience I 

O'Dill. No inconvenience in life ; — truth is, there's 
an old curmudgeon attached so the English embassy. 
Sir John Ascot, who has the sweetest rogue of a lit- 
tle devil of a wife — but, may be, you know them ? 

Sir John. His person I know ; his characternot so 
well, except by report. 

O'Dill. On my honour there'll be a louder report 
by and-by, when the Duke goes off with his wife — 
which he will do, or it won't be his fault — but, mum, 
between you and I, his Grace is at this moment ma- 
king hard love to her ladyship, tooth and nail, and 
I'm put here to keep the husband from interrupting 
them, you see — he! he! 

Sir John. Ha! ha! ha! Excellent expedient! 

G^Dill. I know you'd be amused ; now all I ask is, 
that you'd take my place for ten minutes, while I 
run down stairs to whisper a word of Christian com- 
fort to a little stranger below; who, by her looks, 
seems in need of consolation, May I trust you now, 
Selby? 

Sir John- Implicitly. Go! go! 

O'Dil. I'm gone. All you've to do is to keep the 
fellow in chat till I come back. Mind, now, I'd do 
as great a kindness for you, any time. By the way, 
did I hear of your being left a great fortune and a ti- 
tle? 

Sir John. No, no — I boast no title. Go, go, and 
haste back, for I'm in a hurry. 

O'Dill. Well, if it was not you, it was somebody 
else. I'll not keep you. Have an eye on Sir John, 
and hum him, my boy. [Exit O^Dillon. 

Sir John. Zounds, I shall go mad ! what's to be 
done ? O'Dillon not being aware of my change of 
name, has put me in possession of a secret, which, 
if permitted to proceed /iro format would have end- 



Act I.] MARRIED LOVERS. 17 

ed in bestowing on me an additional title. Oh! I'll 
be revenged. How did he gain my apartments ?— 
no matter, I'll stop their love-makiug. 

lExU in the direction ofifiosite to that taken by the 
Marquis and Due d* Orleans. 

SCENE III. — Boudoir — Duke discovered kneeling 
to lady Ascot. 

Lady. Nay, rise, my Lord— pray, rise; if you but 
saw how ill this lowliness becomes your Grace 

Duke.X ever thought man's chiefest gra,ce was 
lowliness ; but if you really mislike me thus, be kind 
and raise me; for one smile of yours will lend me 
Love's own wings, and send me bounding to 

Lady. To home ! my Lord. 

Duke, {rises) Aye, truly, home ! my long sought 
place of rest — that fair bosom. 

Lady. No higher ^ 

Duke. Um ! — May be a foot or so, to make a se- 
cond home upon those lips — those ruby lips. 

Lady. You'd make it seamen's home, I fear, my 
Lord ; lands wildly sought, and then as lightly left. 

Duke. And if 'twere so, I'd merit seaman's for- 
tune, and ought to suffer shipwreck for my folly. 
Wliat ! leave such a haven to tempt again the sea, 
the uncertain sea, whose richest island holds no gem 
so lovely ! faith. Lady, you do me wrong to doubt 
my truth ; my constancy shall prove 

*' Lady. Nay, nay, hold, my Lord Duke — I'll have 
your character for constancy, on better warranty 
than your own words. 

** Duke- On better warranty, impossible! for who 
can read my my heart's truth like myself, — I feel it 
throb alone, alone for you. 

** Lady. For all this I doubt whether your Lady 
Duchess werefnot better authority for your constan- 
cy, than even that throbbing heart of yours. 

** Duke. Oh. do not mention her. 1 need not tell 



18 MARRIED LOVERS. [Power 

you, Lady, that all marriages are not made in hea- 
ven; or if they be, the gods deal but scurvily with 
us great ones. But come, come, you know the hand 
may be given where the heart can never follow; be 
kind then, and compassionate me as a fellow suffer- 
er ; let's mend our hard fortunes, by sympathising 
with one another." 

Lady, If but half what you protest, be true, I 
should be cruel indeed to withhold all hope — I'll 
think on what you've said, till we meet again — 
adieu. IGoing. 

Duke. Angel, a thousand thanks for the kind 
word, that we shall meet again ; but when, — and 
where, and hovv.^ — 

Lady. Nay, I must think upon that, aye, and up- 
on the danger I incur, which ought to bid me hold 
here; but this much 1 will i)romise, during the day, 
to send my page to you, and if your better genius 
whisper me kind thoughts — Arnold shall be their 
bearer. Are you then content with this } 

Duke. Just so far content as the wretch dying with 
fever is, when promised a remedy by fasting and 
his physician. But even for this, upon my knee I 
thank you. Lady, and touching with my lip this 
snowy shrine, here vow 

[He kneels, and is about to kiss her haud^ when 
Madame de Meneville enters^ foUoived 
by Marquis. 
Mad. My Lord Duke, your Grace's servant. 
Duke. That traitor, Dillon, (aside) — Ah Madame 
de Meneville, excuse me, while I — de Meneville, 
you can do it — this plaguy knee point, here, pray 
tie it for me. 

[Duke rises, having- drawn loose the ribbon of his 

trunk hose — Marquis ties it. 
" Duke. Calling upon de Meneville on an affair 
of state, I thought Madame la Marquise here, and 
so made in, to pay my accustomed devoir^ when 
your fair friend detained me. — 



Act I.] MARRIED LOVERS. 19 

*' Marq. Ha, ha! detained by her, my Lord, — I 
fancy you ought to reserve the position, and say you 
detained her " 

Mad, {aside) Go that way down, your husband's 
■on the stairs. {Exit Lady Ascot quickly^ at back. 

Marq. Your grace has frightened away our fair 
guest. You see she fled like a lapwing, (aside) 

Duke. No wonder, when she saw the hawk so 
near. Oh, you ancient sinner! faside) " But how is 
ma chere et belle } {to Madame J 

'* Mad. Disconsolate at your perfidy, my Lord. 
After all the vows you swore — after almost tempting 
me to believe in them. Oh, cruel Duke ! 

** Duke. For mercy, spare me your raillery. You 
know too well I never durst aspire even to hope ; 
and besides, if I had, the recollection of my friend- 
shid for the Marquis would have plunged me into 
utter despair." 

Enter Sir John, abruptly » 

Sir John. She is not in her room, so — {'itofis and 
looks round) Madame de Meneville ! — the Duke! — 
Your pardon for this intrusion, but I thought — I — I — 

Mad. You thought Lady Ascot was with me. 
She did favour us for a moment, but left this some 
time back. 

Sir John. O'Dillon lied then ; or did he know me, 
and mean this as a jest > {aside J Your Grace's ser- 
vant. 

Duke. Apropos, Sir John. Of what crime have 
I been guilty, that you should so cruelly have me de- 
nied admittance to-day > Was you fearful the golden 
fruit might be stolen during the dragon's absence, 
Sir John i* 

Sir John. Lady Ascot was unwell, and the order 
was general ; but was never meant to extend to your 
Grace. 

Duke. I thought as much. Oh, I shall better un- 
derstand your next general order^ and proceed on 



20 MARRIED LOVERS. [Power. 

my privilege of exception. I thought, Sir John, you 
were too much a man of the world, to wear your 
frosty, English rigidity unthawed beneath the sun- 
ny and clear skies of France. These lying, cold de- 
nials are well enough in your own island, where a 
husband never opens the door without the risk of a 
lover's rolling in, shrouded in his native fog; in 
which he lies, hidden from prying eyes, as securely 
as Jupiter in his clon^.— Mais adieUy Madame ! I 
kiss your hand. We shall see you, with your fair 
friend, at the ball to-night* — Remember you sup at 
the Palais Royale^ Sir John. Nay, look not so 
gloomy, man ; a Frenchman knows how to pay ho- 
mage to the beauty of the wife, without having any 
design against the honour of the husband. 

Sir John. I doubt it not, your Grace, for we En- 
glish carry a sharp argument here, and never fail to 
use it in our honour's defence against any man what- 
ever, {bows to Duke. J 

Duke. Faith, Sir John, you possess a sharper wea- 
pon in your Court of Law at Westminster, where 
you not only find a cure for your hurt honour, but 
fairly get rid of your damaged goods, and are set 
forth a free man again, with antlers so handsomely- 
gilded, that they are borne ever after as an ornament, 
not a disgrace. In my mind, the safer, aye, and the 
wiser mode of proceeding ! [Exit. 

Marqy (aside) I prevented the intended tete-a-tete^ 
Sir John, and shall have an eye upon his Grace. 

Sir John, {aside) My best friend, I rest upon your 
care. [Exit de Meneville^ ajter Duke, 
Lovely Madame de Meneville, let me haste to im- 
prove the present opportunity, to press my oft re- 
peated suit, and again to swear at your feet that 
there is no sacrifice 

Mad. Ah! Sir John, hold ; I have heard and seen 
enough just now to convince me, your love for me is 
all dissembled — your wife alone fills your every 
thoughts, and jealousy of her prompts your every 
action. 



Act I.] MARRIED LOVERS. 21 

Sir John. No, Madam, you mistake, lam jealous 
only of my honour ; "her, I no longer love — I hate 
her; she has grown colder than ice to me, her brow 
is constantly darken'd by frowns ; her lips never 
opened but to give vent to reproaches." Can I, dear 
Madame, can I love her^ with such a contrast be- 
fore me, ever exposed to those sunny glances? — can 
you wonder that I melt beneath their influence ? 

Mad. Very gallantly turn'd, and indeed it must be 
a sunny glance to produce a thaw in December. 

Sir John. Hem ! in Autumn, Madame de Mene- 
ville; but not December, in Autinnn ; and what pe- 
riod yields more generous produce ? come, now, to 
be kind, and say I shall be blest ! 

*• Mad. But consider my husband, your friend, the 
Marquis ! 

** Sir John. He? do not think of him — he is un- 
worthy of you, he knows not how to estimate the 
treasure love has bestowed upon hi m ; why he con- 
fessed to me this very day, that he never knew what 
jealousy was! 

**Mad. Vou know, Sir John, that jealousy is not 
always a proof of love. 

" Sir John. Hem! — no, no, not always! — that is, 
there may exist jealousy without love, but, depend 
on it, without jealousy there can be no love." 

Mad. Well, really, you are so importunate and so 
persuasive, that I confess, I feel a — a — a — gratitude 
for your attentions; and if — if you are in earnest, 
follow me from the Duke*s assembly this night, at 
twelve o'clock, and I may listen further to your ar- 
guments, where there will be less to fear from inter- 
ruption. — Go now, and be grateful. 

Sir John. Grateful ! divine creature ! — I — I ani 
transported! — let me, before I quit you, seal my 
happiness upon those pouting lips. 

Mad. O lud — no, no ; we'll reserve that final ce- 
remony until the treaty be concluded; for these pre- 
liminaries a simple mem. will suffice— there — there's 
my hand. 3 



2 MARRIED LOVERS. [PoToer. 

Sir John. Upon my knees I receive the dear, dar- 
ling, delicious pledge, and swear 

Enter O'Dillon at tofi^ hastily, 

O^Dill. Your Grace, the servants tell me the ould 
lad has been home this half hour. 

\^Sees Sir John. — J^tadame screams and runs off.--' 
Sir John rises confused. 
Whew ! Soho ! — Master Selby, Soho !• — why the de- 
vil didn't you tell me you'd an affair of your own in 
the house ; and I'd never have asked you to do vi- 
dette for me ; but, zounds, man, you deserted your 
post, and let the enemy into the camp, without even 
firing a shot by way of alarm ; but, on my conscience, 
I'll be even with you. I'll \_going. 

Sir John. Stay, Stay ; what do you mean ? 

O'DilL What do I mean is it! — then, by my soul, 
I mean to go and tell de Meneville how I caught you 
making hard love to his wife ; it's a turn I owe you 
for letting ould Sir John surprise his Grace. 

Sir John. You mistake, O'Dillon ; it was the Mar- 
quis broke in on the Duke, before Sir John came 
home at all. 

G'Dill. O ! then I'll be even with the spoil-sport, 
— Make love to his wife as long as you like, and wel- 
come ; and when you're bothered, apply to me, and 
I'll help you. 

Sir John. I thank you : but be silent, for the lady's 
honour: not that there is any thing serious ! 

O^Dill. Oh no! nothing serious of course! — what 
the devil would have brought you on your knees to 
the man's wife, if you meant any thing serious — 
but, however, on one condition I'm secret as a tomb- 
stone. 

Sir John. On any condition, my dear Colonel, I'm 
yours. 

O'Dili. It's a mere trifle. You know that ould 
fumbler Sir John's person. Now all I want you to 
do, is to promise me your assistance, to enable his 
Grace to make a quiet bit of love to the lady. 



Act I.] MARRIED LOVERS. 23 

Sir John. Hem, why really I — her — he is a friend 
of mine, and a countryman ; and I — I— — 

O'Dill. Oh ! I'll not stand humming- and hawing 
about such a trifle. I'm off to de Meneville, 

Sir John, Stay, O'Dillon — confound it, I'm had, 
(aside J stay, I consent to ycur conditions, there's 
my hand. 

O'' Dill. Well, that's fair; you owe me service for 
deserting your pest, and all I ask is your help to de- 
corate the brow of ould Sir John ? 

Sir John. Ha, ha! a mere trifle; but, may I ask 
■what makes you so anxious to do old Sir John the 
honour. 

O'Dill. I'll tell you. I've three sufficient reasons: 
the first is, that, next to being engaged in a love af- 
fair on my own account, I like to be serving a friend: 
secondly, there is a little English waiting woman be- 
low, I've been trying to convince of the innocence 
of my intentions ; and tho' she's a little punctilious 
jnst now, I hope she'll hear reason, if her mistress 
can be brought to set her a good example : thirdly, 
and lastly, I owe Sir John a grudge, for that same 
waiting maid tells me he leads his pretty wife the 
devil's own time of it- Now are you satisfied ? 

Sir John. Quite, I should be unreasonable if I 
were not. 

O^Dill. I'll tell you more as we walk together by 
the way. Do you sup at the Palais to-day .•* I can 
give you an invite to the ball. I'm the Colonel on 
guard, and have a privilege. 

Sir John. Thanks, I am secured for both dinner 
and ball. 

O^Dill. Sir John will be present of course. You'll 
introduce me, and, by my faith, between us we'll 
make an example of him. 

Sir John. Ha, ha! excellent. 

O^Dill. By the way I've made an assignation with 
the waiting woman below, for twelve o'clock exact 
— a delicate little morsel. Lady Ascot's woman. 



24 MARRIED LOVERS. IPower. 

Then his Gi'ace's affair with her mistress, and yours 
with Madame de Meneville — you sly rogue! Egad 
it's quite a family party, and by just lending a civil 
helping hand one to another, we'll all soon be on a 
mighty good footing with this house — he, he, he! 

Sir John. The devil doubt you, {aside.) He, he, 
he! 

O'Diil. But what can rakes expect when they 
marry. 

Sir John. Ha, ha I very true. 

O'Dili. And marry such tender, tempting young 
devils too, eh? — he, he! 

Sir John. Very true, very true — he, he ! 

l£jceunCf Sir John trying to join in the laughi 

END CF ACT THE FIRST. 



ACT II. 

SCENE l.^Palais Royale, 
Enter Orleans and Col. O'Dillon. 

** Duke. If I were not the most gall-less prince in 
Europe, then O'Dillon wouldst thou be brought to a 
formal court of love, and rendered henceforward in- 
capable of serving the little monarch, for so vilely- 
letting thy post be forced, and thy prince surprised." 

O^ Dill. I was guarded entirely against all enemies, 
your Grace, but who the devil could have suspected 
treason in an ally ? I had no suspicion of de Mene- 
ville's being in Sir John's interest. 

Duke. Nor is he in Sir John's interest; oh no, good 
man, he labours for himself; for know, to thy utter 
discomfiture, most trusty sentinel of mine, that de 
Meneville is my rival, and absolutely hopes to sup- 
plant me, in the favour of la belle Anglaise f 

O^Dill. The ould mouser, no wonder he was in 
such a hurry to leave me, and I to trust him, with 



Act II.] MARRIED LOVERS. 25 

the whole affair. Oh ! then it*s well ; I am not in 
the habit of making blunders, or this would be cer- 
tainly set down for one. 

Enter Francois. 

Fran. A young gentleman desires to see your 
Grace — he calls himself the Page Arnold. 

Duke. I cannot be disturbed — yet stay — the Page 
Arnold ? — ah ! should it be. Admit him instantly. 
{^Exit Francois) She promised, if my good genius 
whispered her kind thoughts, her Page should bear 
them to me; — by my faith, a pretty boy. 

Enter Madame de Mkneville, as Page. 

O'Biil. Fine as a peacock, and I'll warrant as pert 
as a parrot. 

Page, Which is the Duke.^ — his Grace of Or- 
leans P 

O'Diil. I thought so. 

Duke. I am the Duke of Orleans, and if your er- 
rand be as I suspect, from a most lovely lady, that 
good, shall serve for your excuse, yoiing jester. 

Page. Nay, as excuses be all I'm likely to get, 
I'd best keep my errand to myself, or bear it to 
some freer bidder. 

O'Dill. O, mischievous as a monkey ! — 

Page. Who is that other ? He stands looking on 
so wisely there. 

O'DilL S'death malapert, don't you see I'm a 
man, and a soldier.^ 

Page. Then to the right about, Mr. Soldier. 

O'DUl. Why you little butterfly 

Page. No words, march off, without beat of drum, 
or I shall {touches his sword) 

Duke, {inter/iosing) Leave us, Dillon — \ have my 
reasons, and must humour this wayward little gen- 
tleman, {aside) 

O'Dill. To dare clap hand to hilt, at me !— oh, if 
I catch him out of this presence, I'll lay that way- 
3* 



26 MARRIED LOVERS' iPowef. 

ward little gentleman's little toasting spit across his 
little jacket, till there will be mighty little dust left 
in that, 1*11 engage. [Exit. 

Duke. Now, my gay Poursuivant d\4moury what 
are your tidings ? 

Page. I was just thinking how to make the most 
of my intelligence; which pays best tor news, you, 
or my Lady Duchess P 

Duke. Sirrah ! you presume on our encourage- 
ment — if thou art silent much longer, I must have 
thee well whipp'd, boy ! 

Page, Nay, an ye try whippmg to encourage me, 
I may perhaps talk louder, and be more communica- 
tive than would chance please your Grace. Oh, I'm 
not to be frighten'd out of my dues ; don't imagine 
you've a raw boy to deal with. 

Duke, Ha, ha ! by my faith, thy unparalelled im- 
pudence amuses me. But art thou not now a most 
unconscionable herald to cry " a largess," ere thou 
hast proclaimed thy errand ? — come, come, unfold, 
and trust my generosity to pay. 

Page, Um ! You don't look like a miser, and are 
too gay to be needy ; so, for once, I'll break rule, 
and trust, though there ought to be no credit in love 
matters. 

Duke, That were like to hurt the trade I fear me, 
but why no trusting ? 

Page. Because the chiefest pleasure in love, be- 
ing in anticipation, the secret once known, is likely 
to be but cheaply held in the recollection'; however, 
for once, I say, I'll break rule, aud trust you ! 

Duke, Thy news must needs be excellent, or thou 
never durst have trifled so long. 

Page. Excellent as ever page bore, or lover heard, 
if success be desirable. My sweet Lady, then, 
charges me to acquaint your Grace, that she will 
find some means to hold off from this ball to-night; 
if therefore, you can contrive to fix a sure arrest up- 
on the knight, her husband, and will be yourself 



Act II.J MARRIED LOVERS. 27 

before the Hotel de Meneville, at twelve exactly, 
I'll be in waiting to lead you to her presence. 

Duke. Most joyous hearing ; thou art the best of 
Mercurys— here, keep this purse for me; and this 
ring bear to my most lovely lady. Tell her, the 
world shall stop if I fail meeting her at twelve ex- 
actly. 

Page, {weighing /lurse) ^Come, my Lord, I see 
you're to be trusted as far as a tri/le goes. Stay — 
this ring **rm to give to your most lovely lady," 
•which behest shall be most religiously fulfilled, my 
Lord. 

Duke. Do that, my Mercury, and all is well. 

Page. Um! Not it you knew all. (aside J By the 
way, my Lcrd, I must give you another touch of 
Mercury's office, and transport your v.:.race into an 
old woman, for the visit. 

Duke. Into an old woman! Rather a mal-transfor- 
mation for a lover about to visit his mistress. 

Page. Nay, 'tis the outside only I extend my of- 
fice to. You may resume your manhood when you 
doff cap and petticoat. 

Duke. Is disguise necessary ? 

Page. Essentially. Your person being known to 
the household, would ruin all. Now, there is an 
aged nurse of Madame de Meneville's, who visits 
her and my Lady often. I have provided a change 
of her garments for your Grace. You must don 
them ; and, as the bell of JsFotre Dame tolls twelve 
exactly, give a single tap on the back portal, where 
myself will be in readiness to admit you. 

Duke. But where is the dress .^ 

Page. Now held by a porter at your gate. Send 
some trusty messenger with the word Arnold^ and 
he'll deliver it. 

Dude. Thou Prince of Pages, count upon my last- 
ing gratitude ! 

Page. When your Grace is aware of the full ex- 
tent of your obligation to me, I'll remind you of your 
promise. 



28 MARRIED LOVERS. [Power. 

Duke, Bring me but surely to my Lady-love, and 
I swear to grant thee thy first request — But where 
is O'Dillon? — Colonel! — I must get him to smuggle 
in the dress you speak of. — Ho, Colonel ! you may 
advance. 

Enter Colonel 0*Dillon. 

Page. Yes, Colonel, my anger has subsided, you 
may advance. 

O'Dill. What, you here yet, little essence-bot- 
tle? Little trimmer of patches, and spreader of 
lip salve ? 

Duke. I must get you to follow our little ally here, 
and 

Page. Aye, soldier, follow me — I've an errand for 
thee. Nay, never lower, man — I don't employ with- 
out pay. There, there's more than a campaign's 
wages for thee, {throws down a purse.) 

O'Dill. "Why, you infernal little popinjay! 

Page. Oh, anger avails little here, where you are 
sure his Grace will interfere to prevent my pinking 
you ; but you know I'm to ht found. I owe you some 
small blood-letting, for daring to address my little 
Annette this morning. I saw you, sirrah ; and I ne- 
ver suffer any poaching on my premises to go un- 
punished. For the present, do your master's bid- 
ding; at any other time, I'm your man; so adieu, 
most doughty soldier. — Au revoir, your Grace ; re- 
member twelve exactly, and rely on your Page 
Troubadour. {Sings) 

Who so ready, in bower or in field, 
Alike harp or lance still to wield ? 
Who, in love or in war, so secure. 
As the Lady's gay Page Troubadour ? 

[jEjcit Madame de Meneville, 
Duke. Farewell, thou fitting messenger of love, 
capricious, gay, provoking, yet most delicious of pa- 
ges — ha, ha, ha! Listen! the fair Lady Ascot has 



Act II.3 MARRIED LOVERS. 29 

sent that boy to bid me to her at twelve this night, 
■when all who might interrupt our course of wooing, 
will be safe housed beneath this roof. 

O^DilL 1 thought it was some lady's pet, the pup- 
py was so pugnacious. 

Duke. Two things, O'Dillon, you must do for me: 
first, take your man to the palace gate, there you'll 
observe a porter stand; whisper Jdfrno/f/ the Page^ 
and he'll deliver up his freight, let your man bear it 
to your apartment, for there I'll equip me for the 
soft encounter. 

O^Dill. And what may this disguise be after all ? 

Duke, The dress of some old crone — a nurse of 
Madame de Meneville's, who has the entree to the 
house, and passes at all hours without question. 

O'Dill. Convenient old lady. Well, now for the 
other part of my duty. 

Duke. About twelve o'clock, fasten on Sir John, 
to whom Meneville will introduce you, and fix him 
here at play, or how you will ; but look to him well, 
as you value my friendship, and would prevent mur- 
der ; for if he chance untimely to intrude on me, I 
shall most assuredly cut his throat. , [Exit. 

0*Dill. C^y^^ the fiursej Plague on that musk 
rat's impertinence — no body sees. I'll lift his gage, 
and when next we meet, I swear I'll make him eat 
this purse, and wash it down with the money, to my 
health, in gratitude for my forbearing to wring his 
dainty little neck — Hum ! first I'm employed as a 
sentry, and now appointed guard to a baggage escort 
over an old woman's yellow ruff and black fardin- 
gale. Well, never mind, I'm not the first soldier 
that has been indebted to an ould petticoat for his 
promotion. [Exit. 

SCENE II. — Duchess vnd Madame, still as Page, 
discovered seated — as the Scene draivs, they rise. 

Duch. Ha, ha, ha! I cannot but applaud your 



30 MARRIED LOVERS. [Power. 

scheme, and approve its ingenuity; but to hope it 
■will effect the cure of these vile lords of ours, were 
too flattering. 

Pag-e. At all events, your grace will allow they 
are likely to be made a little ashamed, by being 
heartily laughed at, which is the least revenge they 
owe, and better than taking one more serious. 

Ditch. There I agree with you entirely, and will 
follow your directions implicitly. 

O'DiLLON enters at back — they observe him — Page 
kneels, 

O'Dill. What, eh ! 'tis, 'tis himself. 

Page, Yes, on my knees I swear it. — {aside) we're 
seen. 

0*DiU. Here's more swearing, (aside ) 

Page. And you may believe me, my sweet Lady. 

O^DilL His sweet Lady. O sweet's the word all 
over, f aside J 

Page. Therefore, I pray you to accept this hum- 
ble token — 'tis all I have to offer, save this poor per- 
son. Lady. 

Q'Dill. And mighty little of that same \^(^a8idej 

JDiice. Dear flatterer, I can refuse thee nothing — 
there's my hand. 

Page. And thus I make it mine, (aside to Duck" 
ess) 1 he Duke desired " I'dd give this to his most 
lovely Lady." 

IPuts on the ring, and kisses her hand. 

ODill. He's slipping a ring on her finger — oh, 
murder ! 

Page. At twelve exactly! then you will come to 
me. 

Duch. Rely upon it. Nothing shall detain me.— 
But be secret, and discreet. 

Page. Oh, never doubt' my love for you shall 
make me all you wish. 



Act IL] MARRIED LOVERS. 31 

SONG— Page. 

Yes, Lady, on this lip I swear, [JCiss. 
By all that's true, by all that's fair, 
That will love thee ever ; 
That I'll deceive thee never ! 

No rival e'er this heart shall gain ; 

No jealous wife this hand obtain. 

Tlien, Lady, banish every care ; 

For on this lip divine I swear, [JCiss 

That I'll deceive thee never. 

[^Ejcit Page and Duchess. 
O^Dill. Then, upon my honour, this is ihe true 
soil for intriguing: they are at it in all corners; all 
down upon their marrow-bones, and trying who can 
swear hardest and lie fastest.— The Duchess has a 
taste of her own, to be sure. Hum — here / have 
been paraded before her eyes morning, noon, and 
night, for two years, whilst she has been wasting 
her time on this miniature specimen of masculine 
gender — It I acquaint the Duke, there will be mur- 
der done; or may be the Lady would swear me out, 
and I'd be hung for defaming a Duchess. — If I watch 
her Ladyship at twelve, I miss Sir John ; and he 
finds his wav home, stumbles on his Grece, and gets 
his throat cut, to teach him manners. — What will I 
do ? — Ah, I have it ! Seiby comes here to supper 
along with the Ambassador's suite ; he's sworn to 
assist me ; I'll put him upon taking care of Sir John, 
while I'll be at liberty to watch her Ladyship — pre- 
serve the Duke's honour — give her a Grace a whole- 
some warning, — and have the spitting of this young 
spawn of Old Nick, who dares be seducing men's 
wives before he has hair enough on his chin to make 
a shoe-brush for a butterfly. [Exit. 

SCENE III— ^ Hall in the Palais. Servants ush- 
ers in Guests^ ivho cross Just as the English Am- 
bassador is announced. 



32 MARRIED LOVERS. [Power. 

O 'Dill ON enters opposite. 

Francis— ^thc English Ambassador and suite. — They 
cross — 0* Billon ta/is Sir John on the shoulder. 

0*Dill. Selby^ my dear boy, a word — you promis- 
ed to serve me, you know. 

Sir John. What do you request of me now ? 

O^Dill. In two words^the Duke has an appoint- 
ment with Sir John's Lady at twelve to night at de 
Meneville's hotel, and he has begged me to look af- 
ter the old unicorn — now business of the last moment 
will call me away exactly at that hour, will you do 
this civility for me ? 

Sir John. Undoubtedly! (aside) Here's a discove- 
ry! — ^but does not Lady Ascot accompany Madame 
de Meneville here ? 

O'Bill. Ha, ha ! so the ould boy thinks, but she 
intends feigning sickness, and stopping at home for 
better reasons. 

Sir John, But can the Duke venture there, know- 
ing the servants will inform their master ? 

O^JDill. Oh, she has managed that cleverly, 
hark'ye — he goes disguised as the ould nurse, who 
trots in and out the hours at all hours, like a tame 
fox — the dress was sent by the lady on purpose. — 
Now farewell, and if you fail me, I'll spoil your sport 
with Madame de Meneville. [Going. 

Sir John. But don't you sup with us ? 

O^Dill. No, I'm for duty — mind now, don't lose 
sight of Sir John for a moment. 

Sir John. I will not, for a second — rely upon me. 

0*I>ill. 'Twould be a pity, you know, to disap- 
point the lady, she's such an ingenious little creature; 
now I am asy — I've prevented the chance of mischief 
or mistake. [Exit, 

Sir John. Damn her ingenuity, shall return and— 
no, that would be useless — besides, I should miss 
my appointment with the divine Madame de Mene- 



Act II.] MARRIED LOVERS. 53 

ville. Oh, my she devil — I have it — here comes that 
easy fool, the Marquis— I'll get him to take charge 
of the Duke and her ingenious Ladyship, and so be 
at liberty lo keep time with his wife'; and to-mor- 
row I'll pack my plague off for England, whicfi, if 
she again quits, may conscious cuckoldom be my 
portion. 

Enter De Meneville. 

•* Marq, Oh, Sir John, not yet at table, we are 
late, allons — 

*' Sir John. One moment I am going to put your 
friendship to the test. 

" Marq. There can be nothing I will not do to 
prove my claim to the trifle. 

** Sir John. I believe you." Oh, Marquis,! am the 
most unfortunate of husbands. 

Marq. (aside) Not yet I hope. My dear Sir 
John, what is the matter ? 

Sir John. You know how tenderly I loved Lady 
Ascot. 

Marq. I have considered your affection with ad- 
miration. 

** Sir John. You know how indulgent, how con- 
stant a husband I have been to her ! 

" Marq. I have observed it with delight." 

Sir John. Judge then how I must feel, when I 
know that she has made an assignation for this night 
with the Duke d'Orleans. 

Marq. (aside) The devil she has! How does my 
dear friend know this? 

Sir John. Through a blunder of Q'Dillon's, who 
only knowing me as Selbtjy the name I bore before 
my uncle's death, has let me into the plot, in order 
to engage me to watch Sir John — so here I am, 
bribed to look after my own movements, and bound 
over to prevent my wife and her gallant from being 
rudely broken in upon. 

Marq. Zounds, you must prevent this. 



3i MARRIED LOVERS. [Power. 

Sir John. No, my dear Marquis, 'tis you must 
prevent it ; I feel that here a hundred eyes are em- 
ployed watching my every motion, so that to leave 
the assembly unobserved would be impossible ; and 
by my going home now. my fate would be postponed 
only, not prevented — but you may save your old 
friend's honour, and yet prove enough to put Lady 
Ascot in my power, and make her glad to accord to 
my wish, and leave this cursed Paris forever. Will 
you — will you do this? 

Marq. My friendship can deny you nothing, how 
do you desire me to act ? 

Sir John. Place yourself next me at supper: I'll 
tell you all, with the very disguise the Duke intends 
to wear; *' you. Marquis, can enter into a husband's 
feelings, and will act for me as I would for you. 

Marq. Rely upon my doing every thing for you I 
would do for myself. 

*' Sir John. There is my hand, I am yours eter- 
nally." Now let's in, and you shall see me face this 
Duke with a smooth brow. \_Exit. 

Marq. Hum, that's a quality your brow shall not 
long boast, if love favours me to-night — this is, in- 
deed, a most happy adventure. O jealousy, jealou- 
sy, never yet didst thou satisfy man's mind, or keep 
woman's virtue. {Exic, 



SCENE IV. — An assemblage of courtly persons dis' 
covered^ grouped as if for dance, some in masks, 
others not. Music and Dance by Ballet^ as charac- 
ters, 

After dance, O'Dillon comes forward, en domino, 

O'Dill. So there's Selby, I see; I don't know Sir 
John, but I fancy he has the old beau in his eye. 
Here comes her Grace— 'tis near the hour ; faith, 
I'll not lose sight of her, I'll engage. 

\^Music. — Raises his mask and retires, as Ma- 



Act II.] MARRIED LOVERS. 35 

dame and Duchess come donun, having on do' 
mmoS' Their masks worn in hand. 

Lady. Remember, drive to the back gate^ as I 
shall use that entrance to prevent my old beau hav- 
ing any idea of the place he is taken to. 

Duch. V\\ follow you close — I don't see the Duke. 

Mad. Oh no, he is by this time busied at his toi- 
let, and, as the costume is new, I fancy he's not au 
fait to the arrangements. Oh, we'll shame these 
rogues — here comes my Knight — I'll give him the 
signal ; presto^ begone — make way for my amoroso, 
{Duchess raises mask and retires. Sir John ad- 
vances. 

&ir John. I cannot be mistaken in that shape and 
air — lovely Madame de Meneville ! — 

Mad. Ah ! Sir John, my heart almost fails me ! 

Sir John. Do not trust it, remember it trembles 
with pleasure as often as from fear. 

Mad. Allons^ then, follow me closely to ray chair, 
and attend that to where I am set doAvn. Let me 
first enter the house, then do you knock once^ and 
you will find a ready admittance. 

Sir John, May I not know where you go, then I 
can follow in some vehicle, for the ways here are so 
confoundedly bad, and my shoes so thinly fashioned, 
that 

Mod. That you dread cold and rheumatism, and 
lumbago; and that your heart fails you , eh? — Are 
you not now a warm lover, Sir John, to dread a pud- 
dle, like a petted cat, that shakes its pretty foot, 
and draws up terrified at the touch of cold water ? — 
ha, ha, ha ? — but come or stay ; love is blind, you 
know; and if not content to be led, must lose his 
way: so adieu. Sir John, ha, ha, ha! \_Exit. 

Sir John. Tormenting little witch, I'll follow you, 
were it on a barefoot pilgrimage in December. 
*''Tis light love that's chill'd by a blast; so here 
goes, curse the puddles and a fig for rheumatics. 
But what's my own wife doing all this time, con- 



36 MARRIED LOVERS. [Power 

found her; but my friend the Marquis is looking 
after her gambols ; oh, what comfort is in a friend ! 
— oh, what asses are your relying easy husbands 
made, and they deserve their fate." [Exit, 

[^J\fusic — Dance goes on, 0* Dillon is seen watching' 
the Duchess, ivho passes out masked — bustle kefit 
up. till scene closes. 

SCENE \.—Back cf the Hotel de Meneville—Lamfi 
over large door, shewing a grim-looking knocker 
— almost dark stage- 

The Marq^uis and the Duke enter from ofifiosite 

sides, similarly disguised as JVurses. 

Marg. I am here before him. 
Duke. The clock has not yet struck. 

[ They encou7iter, boiv^ then curtsey, and cross each 

other. 
Duke. The real beldame, devil take her. [./iside. 
Marg. The Duke, by all that's punctual, what's 
to be done ? I'll keep the field. 

IBell tolls twelve o*clock — both counting. 

Both. Twelve o'clock — exact! 

Duke. O! I'll bribe the old lady — she'll compre- 
hend. (Comes u/i to Marguis.) Hem! Hem! 
C Slips fiurse into his hand, and makes signs to door 
— Marguis appears to understand, and runs to door. J 

Duke. No, no! what does the hag mean? Holloa, 
mother, come lo-morrow; I must go first. 

Marg. {affecting deafness.) Aye, aye, I'll knock. 

'{Knocks single tap. 

Duke. Confound her, she's deaf; would she were 
blind too. I must give her the precedence. {Door 
opens — Marguis curtsies to Duke, a?id goes in.) O^ 
curse your politeness; but the lady will know how 
to dispose of madame nurse. So, all's clear ; I'll 



Act II.] MARRIED LOVERS. Sr 

delay no longer. (^Knocks— doors ojiens.) V Amour 
me garde. [Enters. 

[^Chair carried on — men knock — lady s/irings out^ 
pauses on the stefi, then enters. — Js the chair- 
men exit enter Sir John, quite blown, his lescs 
cased in mud^ his wig awry, his hat gone, and his 
whole fierson quite hors de regie. 
Sir John. Whew ! a confounded dance! my hat is 
gone on a voyage of discovery down the Seine : to 
keep my cloak, I was forced to drop my cane; and 
wading from the cursed //ave, has cased me in a pair 
of mud boots — here's a pickle for a knight to appear 
before his mistress — Ugh ! — what an infernal cut- 
throat looking-place ! I've heard of such doings in 
Paris — gentlemen suddenly disappearing— no expla- 
nation given — I, I almost wish I had staid at home; 

'tis too late, so here I eh! what a grim-looking 

knocker {knocks.) There's a tap for a lover — my 
heart fails me, and this cursed brazen head seems to 
gi'in a ghastly welcome {door opens.) The cavern 
yawns, ugh ! here goes. [Exit in house. 

[^Duchess drought on in a chair — men knock at 
door — she enters — O'Dillon watching — chair 
borne off as before. 

O'^Dill. I've mark'd down the game — now shall I 
rouse the watch ? — no, that will expose all — stay, I 
should know the door; ha! ha! the very ugly mug 
of my old acquaintance. That rascally Page, to 
bring' the Duchess to the Hotel de Meneville, and 
the Duke making love under the same roof. How- 
lucky is my appointment with the little waiting maid 
— I'll climb in at the window she pointed out to me 
— get her to shew me to this Master Page — make 
him hold his noise till I quietly strangle him with 
my sword knot. "Then away home with the Duch- 
ess, and all will be well — it's round here the window 
is — ril know it again, for upon the wall underneath, 
4* 



38 MARRIED LOVERS. IPoiver. 

with the point of my sword, I scratched C, for 
Cupid." 

\_Climb8 ufi, and exit along the top, of the wall. 



SCENE LAST.— ^« old Stone Hall— having win- 
dovjs on each side — at the back, ntefis leading ufi to 
a folding door in centre — quite dark. 

(Marquis discovered.) 
Marq, What can they mean by poking me into 
this old hall — I know it by the scent of its musty 
atmosphere — faugh ! it has not been opened since my 
christening. If I thought I was put in here to be out 
of the way, I'd raise the neighbourhood. If I re- 
member, this window on the garden wall, {opens the 
hasp of the window, and looks out,) I'm right; but 
stay, may not the lady have chosen this place as one 
secure from intrusion? — hark! — hush 

Boor opens, 1)uke en^er*— Annette appearing 
behind. 

Annette. Stay quiet here, and do not breathe, as 
you look to be happy. [She shuts the door. 

Marq. (aside.) Who has come in now ^— the 
Lady? 

Duke. Happy — hum ! {descending steps.) This is 
an odd road to happiness, and tho' I have known 
many who choose to seek happiness in the cellar, I 
for my part, prefer a snug boudoir. I fancy that hag 
of a nurse is in the way— I wish I had strangled her 
at once. 

Marq. Thank your Grace ; Til keep out of reach. 
— I fancy the two nurses have proved one too many ; 
and the maid is gone for fresh instruction. 

Duke. Surely the lady never intends giving me 
the meeting here. I could as soon make love in an 
ice-house. Venus herself could not thaw me in this 
temperature. I am exactly one hundred below zero! 
—Ugh !— hush !—eh \ 



Act II.] MARRIED LOVERS. 3$ 

[The door ofiens^ and after a little bustle Sir John 
is thrust in^ and the door closes. He sli/is down 
the stefia^ and falls over the Marquis^ who doss 
not stir. 

Sir John. Here's a murderous hole. — Ah, what's 
this? a dead body. Oh! some poor murdered 
victim ; by whom I shall soon be quietly stretched. 
— Oh, is it come to this ? — [ shall be advertised by 
the embassy, with a request that any good Christian, 
finding the body, will convey it to the nearest bone- 
house, for recognition and decent interment. — Oh ! 
I'm well served tor my falsehood to the Marquis, 

Duke, (aside-) Who's voice is that ? — I know it ! 

Sir John. To get him to guard my honour whilst 
I attend an assignation to betray his. 

Marq. Oh ! oh ! 

Sir John, (crawling off".) Poor corpse ! not quite 
dead. It would be a mercy to stick him and put him 
out of his misery. {Marquis^ alarmed, gets away. 

Duke. Zounds, 'tis that rogue. Sir John. O'Dillon 
has let him slip again : — this accounts for my being 
crammed in here. 

Sir John. If I bawl out, they'll only cut my throat 
the sooner. — If I could find some window 

[^At a side-entrance Lady Ascot and the Ducheat 
afifiear, conducted by Madaine de Meneville. 
The window at the back also opens, and O'Dil- 
lon /zm^* in one leg ; then fxausest and listens* 

Lady. Hist, hist! — my love, hist ! 

Dulce . Oh, that voice! — my angel, hist! 

Lady. Here, here! 

Madame give'^Jum the Duchess — he kneels rafi' 
turously ; while Madame and Lady jiscot fias» 
over to the Marquis. Sir John listens. 

Sir- John. I heard one of them, I'd swear! 
Lady. Hist! — Marquis! 
Marq. It is ray love. 



40 MARRIED LOVERS. [Power, 

Mad. Yes, yes, here. [Joins Marquis. 

0*Dill. (advancing-.) I hear whispers. 
Sir John. Another of them ! O Lord ! 

{Retreats from nuindoiv. 
Lady. Where's Sir John ? Come, come. 

Sir John. If I do, I'll be d d. There's sixty of 

the gang. 

\^0* Dillon has advanced by degrees^ till just be' 
tiveen Sir John and his Lady^ Jirst feeling their 
clothes, he exclaims 

O^Dill. I've got my spark. {Seizes him-) Now 

my little seducer of duchesses 

Sir John- Murder! {falls on his knees.) Murder f 
O^Dill. Silence ! or I'll cut your throat ! 
Duke. That voice ! 

[Music. — Madame de Meneville claps her hands — 
the folping doors ofien^ discovering Annette 
and several ladies with tapers. 

Scene becomes brilliantly lighted. 

TABLEAU. 

Mad. Welcome, Ladies, most welcome ; we were 
much in need of lights — tho' I don't perceive any 
mistakes have been made — ha? ha! ha! Servant, 
Messieurs — what, are you caught ? 

O'Dill. Well, sure ihere's no great harm in catch- 
ing men with their own wives; and if there were, 
sure the novelty of the offence ought to excuse it — 
What, Selby ! I beg pardon — I took you for a little 
rascal of a hem ! 

Duke. O'Dillon, what the plague brought you 
here > ^^ 

O'Dill. Why I came here, to — tnat is, on a sort of 
a — oh I I shall ruin her Grace if I don't lie ! 

Duch. And pray, my I ask what brought your 
Grace here? 

0*Dill. That's a puzzler. 



Act II.] MARRIED LOVERS. 41 

*' Sir John. And so. Sir Marquis, this is the way 
you keep your promise ? 

'■'Mad. At all events, you have kept yours, it 
seems — ha, ha, ha!'* 

Buke. So, Monsieur le Colonel, I find I'm obliged 
to you for this pleasant adventure? 

0*BilL Your Grace is more obliged to me to-night 
than you are aware of. Sure, I left Selby to watch 
Sir John, and good care he has taken of him too, it 
seems. 

Duke. Who the mischief is Selby, and why did 
you lose sight of him yourself? 

Duch. Why, my Lord, truth to tell, he resigned 
that post to preserve your honour. 

Duke. I do not comprehend. My honour ? 

Duch. Yes; he overheard me make assignation 
•with a certain Page, you may remember. 

Duke. How's this ? 

O'Dill. Whew l—All's over; she's mad! 

Mad. Yes; tit for tat, you know, is fair play. Do 
you imagine we poor wives are to bear all your false^ 
hoods without retaliation ? Oh no, your Grace. 

{Singa.) 
Who, in love or in war, so secure, 
As the Lady's gay Page Troubadour .' 

Duke. Ha! that voice, that eye — Can it be.* 

O'Dill. The little fioursuivant d^amouVy by all 
that's brazen! — Beg pardon — by all that's beautiful! 

Duke. Fairly tricked, and caught, by Jove! — and 
I am satisfied. 

Sir John. But I am not ; and. Marquis, I insist 

O'DilL Why, now, Selby, can't you be aisy ? You 
dcn't expect the man will give up his wife ? 

Duke. What, is that the Selby you have been 
making a confidant of ? Know, blunderer, that is Sir 
John Ascot himself — ha, ha, ha! 

O'Dill. The devil it is, but how should I know 
he'd changed his natn«. Sure he never said he had 



42 MARRIED LOVERS. [Power 

got married; but he ought in honour to have un- 
deceived me, and shall answer here ? 

Mad. Come, come, gentlemen, you have no right 
to complain of each other, still less of your wives : 
thank your stars you have such guardian angels, and 
upon bended knees pray our forgiveness. 

Duke, As first in rank, I claim precedence there, 
and swear if pardoned now, to be very careful how I 
offend again. IKneels. 

Marq. My adorable Marchioness knows 1 can 
never forget those charms. {Kneels. 

Sir John, I suppose I must, but I protest Lady 
Ascot, 'tis your fault, for had 

Mad Had she not preferred laughing at your vice 
to imitating it, reflect what might have been your 
fate, and down for pardon. 

O'Dill' Well, thank heaven I've no sins, I'm in- 
nocent of any evil intended, or imagined — or 

Marq. What, you forget this young lady, and your 
scene in the garden this morning. 

O'BilL Say no more ; I'm down. {Kneels to An- 
nette^ And there, my little waiting maid, put the 
gold in your pocket, whilst I put this purse in my 
bonnet, where I will wear it through peace and war 
till 'tis challenged by the saucy little Page Trouba 
dour. 

Mad. Well, ladies ; I read our truants' pardon ir 
your eyes. Some here may think their punishment 
too light; but I still recommend, that all such offend 
ers be met with ridicule, instead of reproach ; an( 
beg to assure my fair friends, wedded and single, tha 
woman's best and surest weapon is her smile I 



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